E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Body Shop => Topic started by: Shane Kelley on May 03, 2017, 12:24:31 PM

Title: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Shane Kelley on May 03, 2017, 12:24:31 PM
Anybody have any experience installing the trunk torsion rod in 71 Cuda? Without chewing the paint off everything. Any procedure would be greatly appreciated. I removed mine 3 years ago and I knew it would be reckoning day at some point. This is that day. Thanks
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: mopar jack on May 03, 2017, 01:12:55 PM
It's been awhile since I've done one hopefully others will chime in. Start with lid supported in full open position and place one end of rod in the lowest setting on the support bracket and the other end in the hinge pivot. Next push the rod over the hook just above the torsion positioning slots. If hood won't stay open you will need to adjust to a different slot.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: mopar jack on May 03, 2017, 01:14:26 PM
From the service manual a little confusing.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: CudaMoparRay on May 03, 2017, 01:28:00 PM
Perfect timing as my installing a TA rear duck tail spoiler made the trunk lid heavier so now does not stay open like it used to.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 03, 2017, 02:48:14 PM
I'm with you, it's one of those things I fret doing, but I get a buddy to help and it always goes better then I thing.  Take your time and make sure to put a little white lithium grease on the wear / moving / touching parts so it functions quietly.

Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 03, 2017, 12:24:31 PM
Anybody have any experience installing the trunk torsion rod in 71 Cuda? Without chewing the paint off everything. Any procedure would be greatly appreciated. I removed mine 3 years ago and I knew it would be reckoning day at some point. This is that day. Thanks
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 03, 2017, 02:49:13 PM
Easy fix, just adjust it to one notch stronger and it will work great.  Each slot will allow you to put more pressure upward.   :twothumbsup:

Quote from: CudaMoparRay on May 03, 2017, 01:28:00 PM
Perfect timing as my installing a TA rear duck tail spoiler made the trunk lid heavier so now does not stay open like it used to.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: 1 Wild R/T on May 03, 2017, 07:03:51 PM
Thing is the OP is working on a 71 so single rod.... With twice as much tension...
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 03, 2017, 07:27:52 PM
 :Thud:   And I thought the 1970 was hard.  Oh boy, single is going to take a bit more tension to get it.   :wrenching:

Quote from: 1 Wild R/T on May 03, 2017, 07:03:51 PM
Thing is the OP is working on a 71 so single rod.... With twice as much tension...
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: ToxicWolf on May 03, 2017, 10:35:36 PM
When Roadman and I put the 2 rods in the 70 Challenger we wrapped a rope around the bar, I took a hitch around my waist and leaned back, using my weight to bend the bar.  Mark used his hand to guide it into place.  Went pretty easily and quickly.   :banana:
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: CudaMoparRay on May 04, 2017, 12:44:40 PM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 03, 2017, 02:49:13 PM
Easy fix, just adjust it to one notch stronger and it will work great.  Each slot will allow you to put more pressure upward.   :twothumbsup:

Quote from: CudaMoparRay on May 03, 2017, 01:28:00 PM
Perfect timing as my installing a TA rear duck tail spoiler made the trunk lid heavier so now does not stay open like it used to.

Unfortunately or fortunately however I have a 1971 also lol lol
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: CudaMoparRay on May 04, 2017, 12:46:10 PM
Quote from: ToxicWolf on May 03, 2017, 10:35:36 PM
When Roadman and I put the 2 rods in the 70 Challenger we wrapped a rope around the bar, I took a hitch around my waist and leaned back, using my weight to bend the bar.  Mark used his hand to guide it into place.  Went pretty easily and quickly.   :banana:

I'll be going this route it seems, thanks
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: anlauto on May 04, 2017, 04:25:01 PM
That's a tough one...good luck. The cars I restore are usually painted with them in place and adjusted... :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: CudaMoparRay on May 06, 2017, 02:21:39 PM
Picture of '71 only on left side at least in mine. Will be moving to 3rd slot to see if it supports the duck tail spoiler I put on.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: DetMatt on May 11, 2017, 05:51:16 AM
I've got mine adjusted for the most tension and it still won't hold the lid up with the T/A spoiler on it. It's the single rod '71 and I've tried a couple of different rods.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 11, 2017, 07:51:24 AM
Just go to the 70 style 2 rod system.  :alan2cents:  We know it works with the T/A spoiler.

Quote from: DetMatt on May 11, 2017, 05:51:16 AM
I've got mine adjusted for the most tension and it still won't hold the lid up with the T/A spoiler on it. It's the single rod '71 and I've tried a couple of different rods.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Shane Kelley on May 11, 2017, 08:41:56 AM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 11, 2017, 07:51:24 AM
Just go to the 70 style 2 rod system.  :alan2cents:  We know it works with the T/A spoiler.

Quote from: DetMatt on May 11, 2017, 05:51:16 AM
I've got mine adjusted for the most tension and it still won't hold the lid up with the T/A spoiler on it. It's the single rod '71 and I've tried a couple of different rods.
I don't think that will work without changing the hinge brace. The passenger side hinge brace doesn't have a provision (slots) for the rod to adjust.  Red car 70. Gray primer 71.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 11, 2017, 08:58:25 AM
 :Thud:   oh crap, that sucks.  Now I see the problem.   :rubeyes:
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: mopar jack on May 11, 2017, 10:05:47 AM
I have a 71 barracuda with a go wing spoiler and a single rod adjusted in the 3rd slot. Holds the lid up but it closes hard when I lower it, I think the 4th slot would should work fine.
Title: Re: Trunk Torsion Rod Install
Post by: CudaMoparRay on May 11, 2017, 12:39:04 PM
Quote from: mopar jack on May 11, 2017, 10:05:47 AM
I have a 71 barracuda with a go wing spoiler and a single rod adjusted in the 3rd slot. Holds the lid up but it closes hard when I lower it, I think the 4th slot would should work fine.

Still waiting for a buddy to come over and help me move it to the 3rd hole but if that does not do the trick may well have to move to the 4th and last hole.